Method for detecting the presence of dormant cryptobiotic microorganisms

Abstract

Method for the detection of dormant cryptobiotic microbes by detection of electromagnetic radiation emitted from intrinsic alkali earth metal pyridine dicarboxylic acid salts in the 710 nm to 860 nm region when excited with electromagnetic energy in the 610 nm to 680 nm region. Utilizing the novel lower energy emission of intrinsic calcium dipicolinic acid salts makes it possible to quickly detect bacterial spores, fungal spores and oocysts without the need for any added reagents, sample processing, or contact with the sample.

1. A method for the detection of dormant cryptobiotic microbes comprising:
 a. exciting the intrinsic dormant cryptobiotic microbial chromaphore with a specific range of electromagnetic radiation wavelength between 610 nm and 680 nm; whereby said microbes containing intrinsic chromophores are excited to emit electromagnetic radiation; 
 b. detecting the emitted electromagnetic radiation signals from the excited microbial chromophores in the 710 nm to 860 nm range; and 
 c. removing the background, reflected excitation and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation signals from the emission signal by analysis, in order to detect the presence of dormant cryptobiotic microbes. 
 
     
     
       2. A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said microbe chromophores are selected from the group consisting of alkali earth metal-pyridine dicarboxylic acid salts. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein the dormant cryptobiotic microbes to be detected include bacterial endospores, fungal spores, and protozoa oocysts.